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LodgeNet Plans Recapitalization with Global Investor Colony CapitalJan 04, 2013 (Close-Up Media via COMTEX) -- LodgeNet Interactive Corp. announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement with a syndicate formed by an affiliate of Colony Capital, a global investment firm with $38 billion in assets under management and a broad range of hospitality and media industry investments, pursuant to which the Colony Syndicate will provide $60 million of new capital to support a proposed recapitalization of the Company. In addition, the Company has received support from a steering committee of its lenders holding its debt for a multi-year extension of its existing $346 million secured credit facility. According to the Company, the transaction will be implemented through an expedited Chapter 11 bankruptcy process, at the conclusion of which the Colony Syndicate would become the controlling stockholder of the Company. The plan of reorganization envisions that unsecured creditors of LodgeNet will be paid in full for any pre-petition claims at the conclusion of the Chapter 11 process. Colony has also executed a memorandum of understanding with DIRECTV, setting forth certain terms pursuant to which LodgeNet and DIRECTV intend to operate as strategic partners within the hospitality and healthcare markets. As part of the expanded partnership between the two companies, DIRECTV will provide its operational, technological and marketing capabilities to help deliver new and improved LodgeNet services to the industry. Importantly, throughout this process, LodgeNet's current hospitality and healthcare customers will continue to receive LodgeNet's entertainment and connectivity services, as well as ongoing maintenance and support, without interruption. Under the terms of these agreements, the Colony Syndicate will receive new common stock representing 100 percent ownership of LodgeNet. The Colony Syndicate's investment and the new credit agreement provide added financial flexibility, while Colony Capital's industry experience and DIRECTV's new contributions will ensure LodgeNet's continued market leadership as it works with customers to offer the best in-room entertainment and connectivity services available. The Company has also entered into a plan support agreement with a steering committee of its lenders holding its outstanding senior debt, pursuant to which the lenders have agreed to support the Colony Syndicate's transaction and the proposed amendment and extension of the credit agreement with its lenders, and to vote in favor of the Company's proposed plan of reorganization. The Company has also received a commitment for a debtor-in-possession (DIP) loan from certain of its lenders that would provide up to $15 million in financing, providing additional liquidity during this process. In order to provide LodgeNet time to solicit votes on the proposed Chapter 11 plan, DIRECTV, HBO and the steering committee of lenders have agreed to extensions of their existing forbearance agreements. "As one of the largest investors in hospitality and media enterprises around the globe, and with a strong track-record of success, Colony Capital brings an unmatched combination of strategic acumen and financial resources to LodgeNet and its industry-leading footprint of 1.5 million hotel rooms," said LodgeNet Interactive chairman Doug Bradbury. "Under Colony's leadership, LodgeNet is poised to transform its business through renewed financial strength, the introduction of new and innovative products and services, and strengthened industry relationships, thus re-affirming its position as the leading provider of interactive services to the hospitality and healthcare industries." LodgeNet and the Colony Syndicate have agreed to implement this transaction via an expedited Chapter 11 proceeding which would commence once the requisite consents of its lenders have been obtained. Concluding the recapitalization in a controlled, court-supervised environment will allow LodgeNet to continue operating without interruption, address short-term liquidity issues, complete the Colony Syndicate's transaction, and amend the credit agreements with its lenders. "As evidenced by our investments in hospitality, media and entertainment, we believe in these markets, and with LodgeNet positioned at the crossroads of all three, this opportunity is tailor-made for Colony Capital," noted Richard Nanula, Principal at Colony Capital. "We look forward to leveraging our experience and key industry relationships to drive change at a critical time for the company and the industries it serves. Together with DIRECTV and our hospitality and healthcare customers, we are committed to building on the company's position as the preeminent provider of commercial entertainment and connectivity services, as we believe strongly that for LodgeNet, the future is now." Pursuant to the contemplated Chapter 11 filing, holders of the existing Series B Preferred Stock and common stock issued by LodgeNet Interactive will have their interests cancelled and will not receive any distributions. The recapitalization is designed to enable a restructured LodgeNet Interactive to emerge from Chapter 11 on a standalone basis with strong cash flow and a solid balance sheet. Closing of the transaction is subject to various closing conditions, including Bankruptcy Court confirmation of a Chapter 11 Plan. Accordingly, no assurances can be given that the transaction will be consummated. More Information: http://www.lodgenet.com http://www.colonyinc.com ((Comments on this story may be sent to [email protected])) |